Capers down Panthers 6-0 behind Rowe’s hat trick

By Thomas Becker

The Cape Breton Capers unleashed a relentless offensive attack, overwhelming the UPEI Panthers with a commanding 6-0 victory, highlighted by Alliyah Rowe's hat trick and Grace Hannaford's two-goal performance.

The match began with Cape Breton (2-0) setting the tone early. In the 6th minute, Becca Leblanc threaded a through pass to Leah Disipio, who made a powerful run toward the six-yard box. Disipio's shot was blocked by UPEI goalkeeper Claudia Mazzei, but the rebound landed at the edge of the box where Ally Wilton curled a shot past Mazzei, giving the Capers an early lead.

Cape Breton continued to press, and their relentless pressure paid off in the 21st minute. Leblanc was the catalyst again, delivering a perfect through pass to Hannaford. Hannaford, in turn, crossed the ball to Rowe, who beat Mazzei with a first-touch finish, doubling the visiting team's advantage.

The Panthers (1-1) struggled to find any rhythm, and Cape Breton took advantage. In the 35th minute, Makenna Bowser sent a low cross into the box, where Hannaford was perfectly positioned to tap the ball in, making it 3-0. Just a minute later, Rowe showcased her playmaking abilities, slipping a pass through the UPEI defence to Hannaford, who once again tapped the ball into the net.

Despite the crooked score, Mazzei managed to make a crucial save in the final moments of the first half, denying Hannaford on a penalty shot with a diving effort to her left. 

The second half saw more of the same from the Capers. In the 49th minute, Bowser delivered a perfectly placed corner kick that Rowe met with a header, extending the lead to 5-0. Just four minutes later, Bowser and Rowe connected again from a corner kick, this time from the opposite side, with Rowe heading the ball into the net once more to complete her hat trick.

The Panthers will look to rebound from this defeat next Saturday when they host the Saint Mary's Huskies at 1 p.m. Meanwhile, the Capers will face the Dalhousie Tigers in their home opener.

Photo Credit: Janessa Vanden Broek